Alex Kalish Photo Steve Falk

Alex Kalish is a senior at Campolindo and a pole-vaulter on the Campolindo Track and Field team. When he began competing on Saturday, May 1st at the Phillips-McCain Invitational, he was already the fifth-best pole vaulter in Campolindo history.

Kalish attempted to jump 13'-6". On his third attempt, he lifted over the bar and gave it the slightest touch. The bar stayed up, and Kalish matched his career best.

The bar was raised to 14 feet, an important psychological level. Two other competitors failed to clear the bar. Once again, on his third attempt, Alex cleared the bar and won the competition.

The bar was raised to 14'-6". On his third attempt Kalish cleared his personal best by a foot.

The bar was raised to 14'-8". Hans Florine, a speed rock climber and Campolindo graduate, challenged Kalish to beat his school record set in 1982 at 14'-6". Florine joked, "You'll never catch me."

Kalish again failed on his first two attempts, but again, he cleared it on his third attempt. Kalish is now the best pole vaulter in the history of Campolindo High School. Next fall he will attend Claremont McKenna College.